The Saints completed the first week of the four-week coaching sessions by getting outside on Thursday afternoon in the heat and humidity after spending the first two days in the club's indoor facility.

"We threw a lot at them," said Saints Coach Jim Haslett about the work completed over the first three workouts. "The players were into it and they were excited about it. We were out in the heat for the first time, since it finally stopped raining. They are enjoying the workouts, but there is a lot of competition out here."

One of the keys spots of competition is at middle linebacker where veteran Orlando Ruff, second-year player Cie Grant and 2004 draftee Courtney Watson are working.